after three days he called together the local leaders of the jews, and when they had gathered, he said to them, “brothers, though i had done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, yet i was delivered as a prisoner from jerusalem into the hands of the romans. when they had examined me, they wished to set me at liberty, because there was no reason for the death penalty in my case. [acts 28:17-18]
this passage gives us an opportunity to reflect on willingness to act as ambassadors of Christ.
when you start something new (move to a new neighborhood, start a new job, go on a first date, etc), how quickly are you intentionally moving towards sharing the gospel and/or talking about Jesus?
how comfortable with the situation do you have to get? how familiar with the work culture? how many months in a new house?
now, i think there is probably some wisdom to sharing the gospel in a way that you feel will be the best received. and definitely some wisdom in pursuing how God would have you share. paul takes 3 days. my guess is he probably spend a decent chunk of that time in prayer about how God would use him in rome.
as i reflect, i realize that there are areas of my life that have taken months and years longer than i’d like to admit, and others that i still struggle in.
thank goodness we serve a God so gracious, so kind, and so loving that today we can repent of the times we have not been good ambassadors, and he is faithful to forgive!
1 john 1:9 – if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
there is no condemnation in Christ. God’s mercies are new every morning, and that includes this morning.
so today, through the grace of God, we have yet another opportunity to be ambassadors in all the situations that we’ve struggled in the past.
Holy Spirit, empower and embolden us today to be ambassadors. God, forgive us for the times we have passed up opportunities to show Jesus to the world. give us opportunities today. use us, Lord.
amen.
~ John Sandman